Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FOLDABLE STRUCTURES FOR A CONSTRUCTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention refers to foldable structures
method/system for creating parts of a construction such as
domes, roofs or similar for any building and/or tunnels
and/or bridges for pedestrian and/or vehicle traffic,
including the method/system for their transportation,
assembly and an unfolding method to place the structure in
the construction site.
Description of the Prior Art
Constructions systems and methods using prefabricated
structures are known and desired in the art. Using
prefabricated structures helps the builder save in costs and
time and allows the building or construction to be ready to
be used in less time.
Foldable and transportable roofs are known in the prior
art. For example document CN201268965 discloses a mobile
home with a foldable roofing, which comprises an integral
floor structure, four wall bodies, two slanting roofs and
two gables.
CONFIRMATION COPY
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Publication US No. US2009014044 discloses a folding
shed including a roof with a first roof section pivotally
connected to a first sidewall and a second roof section
pivotally connected to a second sidewall.
Publication No. JP2007170150 disclose a structure
having the gable roof comprises: four wall surfaces formed
by hinging both side edges of a front face constitutive body
and a rear face constitutive body hinged through center
columns, and both side edges of a pair of side face
constitutive bodies facing each other; and the roof section
formed by hinging a ridge part and the upper edges of a pair
of inclined roof boards.
Furthermore, roof connections are also known in the
art, for example publication No. US2009078297 discloses an
automatic control device of foldable tent connecting to
several roof strut sets consisting of several segments
serially connected in radial; wherein, said control device
is typically comprised of a central standing base containing
a sliding hub, a spring and a tappet roller at inside.
Furthermore publication No. US2007131265 discloses a
top frame of foldable tent including a set of foldable roof
braces and a set of coordinated sub-braces constructing the
main frame is typically employed with a hydraulic tappet
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fixed between the static pivot hub pivoting all the sub-
braces and spreader pivoting all the roof braces with both
ends, by means of the jack-up and hold-on features of the
hydraulic tappet, said spreader is pushed down and kept in
the ultimate position to bring the entire roof braces q and
sub-braces to expend out. Said structure has fewer parts,
simple, convenient for manufacturing and combination
features.
Brief Description of the Invention
The present invention refers to a transportable and
foldable structure for building a construction, more
specifically building roofs, ceilings, domes or similar or
tunnels or bridge constructions for pedestrian and/or
vehicle traffic, wherein both are placed between at least
two elements of the construction. Specifically, the present
invention refers to transportable, foldable and coupling
structure units for building constructions, specifically
roofs, domes, ceilings, tunnels or bridges for pedestrian
and/or vehicle traffic, in which coupling and folding
structure units are to be placed between two elements of the
construction.
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An element of the construction to which the coupling
and folding structures are fixed is preferably a column or a
base of the construction. The construction may be selected
among any type of construction, such as cement, plywood,
pvc, modified marine containers, mobile homes, or other
building structures.
The transportable and foldable structure may be
comprised by at least one coupling and folding structure
unit.
If the transportable and foldable structure comprises
one coupling and folding structure unit, the coupling and
folding structure unit comprises at least a first fixing
element, such as an anchor, which will fasten the folding
structure unit to a first element of the construction, such
as a column or base. The first fixing element may be
alternately coupled to a further fixing element of a
different coupling and folding structure unit by means of a
fastening element or coupled to coupling and folding device
of a different coupling and folding structure unit. The
first fixing element is placed at a first end of the
construction. Furthermore, the coupling and folding
structure unit comprises at least a second fixing element in
the opposite end of the coupling and folding structure unit
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than the first fixing element, similar to the first fixing
element, which will fasten the transportable and foldable
structure to a second element of the construction, such as a
second column or base to anchor the structure. Alternately,
5 the second fixing element may be coupled to a further fixing
element of a different coupling and folding structure unit
by means of a fastening element or coupled to coupling and
folding device of a different coupling and folding structure
unit. The second fixing element is placed at a second end of
the transportable and foldable structure, which is opposite
to and may be co-lineal with the first end of the
transportable and foldable structure. In between the first
fixing element and the second fixing element at least one
coupling and folding device is provided. In between the
first fixing element and the coupling and folding device a
first rod is provided. In between the coupling and folding
device and the second fixing element a second rod is
provided. Both rods are coupled with the coupling and
folding device. Furthermore, both rods when fully extended
are substantially co-lineal one to another. When the
coupling and folding structure unit is fully extended a
certain angle which is at least 90 , more preferably 140
and yet more preferably at least 160 may be present among
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the lower face of the first rod and the lower face of the
second rod. However, a 180 angle between the lower face of
the first rod and the lower face of the second rod may be
achieved. An actuating device, such as a rod, bolt, pin,
screw, wire or thread, is attached from the first end of the
transportable and foldable structure to the second end of
the transportable and foldable structure. When actuated, the
actuating device rotates the coupling and folding device so
as to move the second rod in regards to the first rod, so
that the second rod is in a substantially parallel position
in regards to the first rod when in a folded position. The
first rod may be fastened with regards to the coupling and
folding device, while the second rod is movable with regards
to the coupling and folding device. The movement of the
second rod with regards to the coupling and folding device
may be provided by means known in the art, such as a
bearing.
The transportable and foldable structure may comprise
two folding. structure units. A second folding structure unit
comprises a first fixing element, such as an anchor, which
will fasten the transportable and foldable structure to a
first element of the construction, such as a column or base.
The second folding structure unit further comprises at least
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two coupling and folding devices. A first coupling and
folding device will fasten the second.folding structure unit
to a first folding structure unit of the construction. The
first coupling and folding device is placed at a second end
of the second folding structure unit, opposite to the first
end. In between the first fixing element and the first
coupling and folding device, a second coupling and folding
device is provided. In between the first fixing element and
the second coupling and folding device a first rod is
provided. In between the second coupling and folding device
and the first coupling and folding device a second rod is
provided. Both rods are coupled with the second coupling and
folding device. When both rods are fully extended, that is,
when the second folding structure unit is fully extended,
the first rod and the second rod are substantially co-lineal
one to another. When fully extended, a certain angle which
is at least 90 , more preferably 140 and yet more
preferably 160 is present among the lower face of the first
rod and the second rod. However, a 180 angle between the
lower face of the first rod and the lower face of the second
rod may be achieved. An actuating device, such as a rod,
wire, bolt, pin, screw or thread, is attached from the first
end of the first folding structure unit to the second end of
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the first folding structure unit. When actuated, the
actuating device rotates the second coupling and folding
device so as to move the second rod in regards to the first
rod, so that the second rod is in a substantially parallel
position in regards to the first rod when in a folded
position. The first rod may be fastened with regards to the
second coupling and folding device, while the second rod is
movable with regards to the second coupling and folding
device. The movement of the second rod with regards to the
folding device may be provided by means known in the art,
such as a bearing. The first folding structure unit is built
essentially in the same manner as when the transportable and
foldable structure comprises one folding unit. The coupling
between the first folding structure unit and the second
folding structure unit is by means of the first coupling and
folding device of the second folding structure unit and one
of the two fixing elements of the first folding structure
unit is carried by conventional means known in the art, such
as threaded holes, bolts, pin, screw, wire or threads and
nuts.
The transportable and foldable structure may comprise
three or more folding structure units. The first and second
folding structure units are formed in a similar manner to
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the first folding structure unit disclosed for the one
folding structure unit for the transportable and foldable
structure. A third folding structure unit, which is placed
in between the first and second folding structure units,
comprises a first coupling and folding device at one end of
the third folding structure unit, proximate to the first
folding structure unit, which will fasten the third folding
structure unit to the first folding structure unit by means
of the first coupling and folding device of the third
folding structure unit and by means of the second fixing
element of the first folding structure unit. Furthermore,
the third folding structure unit comprises a second coupling
and folding device at a second end of the third folding
structure unit, opposite to the first end of the third
folding structure unit, which will fasten the third folding
structure unit to the second folding structure unit by means
of the second coupling and folding device of the third
folding structure unit and by means of the second fixing
.element of the second folding structure unit. In between the
first coupling and folding device and the second coupling
and folding device of the third folding structure, a third
coupling and folding device is provided in the third folding
structure unit. In between the first coupling and folding
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device and the third coupling and folding device of the
third folding structure a first rod is provided. In between
the third coupling and folding device and the second
coupling and folding device of the third folding structure a
5 second rod is provided. Both rods are coupled with the third
coupling and folding device. When both rods are fully
extended, that is, when the third folding structure unit is
fully extended, the first rod and the second rod are
substantially co-lineal one to another. When fully extended,
10 a certain angle which is at least 90 , more preferably 140
and yet more preferably at least 160 is present among the
lower face of the first rod and the second rod. However, a
180 angle between the lower face of the first rod and the
lower face of the second rod may be achieved. An actuating
device, such as a rod, wire or thread, is attached from the
first end of the third folding structure unit to the second
end of the third folding structure unit. When actuated, the
actuating device rotates the third coupling and folding
device so as to move the first rod in regards to the second
rod, so that the first rod is in a substantially parallel
position in regards to the second rod when in a folded
position. The second rod may be fastened with regards to the
third coupling and folding device, while the first rod is
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movable with regards to the third coupling and folding
device. The movement of the first rod with regards to the
third coupling and folding device may be provided by means
known in the art, such as a bearing. The coupling between
the first folding structure unit and the third folding
structure unit, by means of the first coupling and folding
device of the third folding structure unit and the second
fixing element of the first folding structure unit is
carried by conventional means known in the art, such as
threaded holes, bolts, pin, screw, wire or threads or nuts.
Likewise, the coupling between the second folding structure
unit and the third folding structure unit, by means of the
second coupling and folding device of the third folding
structure unit and the second fixing element of the second
folding structure unit is carried by conventional means
known in the art, such as threaded holes, bolts pin, screw,
wire or threads and nuts.
In all the embodiments, the coupling and folding
devices may be a substantially cylindrical form, however may
take any desired shape. The inner part of the folding device
should be hollow and more preferably, hollow and threaded.
Therefore, a bolt, pin, screw, wire or threads may be
threaded in the inner part of the coupling and folding
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device, in such a manner that the same bolt may fasten two
or more folding structure units in a substantially parallel
manner. Furthermore, a bolt, pin, screw, wire or threads may
be threaded in the inner part of the coupling and folding
device in such a manner that the same bolt may fasten two or
more folding structure units in a substantially co-lineal
manner. Therefore, the transportable and foldable structure
is actually comprised by folding structure units in a
substantially parallel manner and by folding structure units
in a substantially co-lineal manner. The ends of the bolts,
pin, screw, wire or thread are fastened by nuts.
The fixing elements may be alternately coupled to each
other by means of fastening elements. That is, instead of
coupling the fixing elements to a second, third, fourth, or
more folding structure units, the fixing elements are
coupled to fastening elements. The fixing elements have a
hole, which may be threaded, in which a bar which may be
threaded is placed. The fastening elements comprise a lower
part and an upper part, which are coupled together by means
of conventional coupling means known in the art, such as
threaded holes, bolts, pin, screw, wire or threads and nuts.
The fastening elements may be formed by any shape,
however, shapes with smooth and constant walls are
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preferred. The fastening elements have at least two
connections, each wall of the fastening element having at
least one connection. The.fastening elements preferably. have
at least three connections and even more preferably at least
four connections. When a folding structure unit is coupled
with a fastening element, part of the fixing element, which
is an extension of one of the two rods of the folding
structure unit, is placed within a connection of the
fastening element. The connections are generally hollow and
are usually placed between the lower part and the upper part
of the fastening element. Furthermore, the connections have
a width or diameter which is less than the width or diameter
of the wall of the node in which the connection is present.
The connections are formed in shape so that at least part of
the fixing element may rest within the connection. Given
that the fixing element ("joint") has a bar in its hole, and
given that the bar is generally broader than the width of
the connection, when the lower part and the upper part are
coupled, the folding structure unit is coupled and fixed
with regards to the fastening element. As stated before, the
fastening elements or joints may have one or more
connections for each wall. Therefore, the fastening elements
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are prepared to receive at least one folding structure unit
per wall.
The fastening elements are provided as relief devices
for a large amount of folding structure units. That is, if a
broad or large area is to be covered with the transportable
and foldable structure, then fastening elements need to be
used since otherwise transportation of the transportable and
foldable structure would be difficult. Furthermore, the
fastening elements are used as nodes, that is, if a broad or
large area is to be covered with the transportable and
foldable structure fastening elements need to be used so
that each foldable structure unit does not fold or vibrate
when the transportable and foldable structure is installed.
When two or more folding structure units which are
substantially co-lineal are present, the actuating devices
between the first folding structure unit and the second
folding structure unit may be connected to each other, so
that when one of the at least two actuating devices is
actuated, the at least two folding structure units may be
simultaneously extended or folded. Reels may be added to the
actuating devices so as to coil or uncoil the actuating
devices.
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When a first pair of two or more folding structure
units which are substantially co-lineal are present, and
when second pair of two or more folding structure units
which are also substantially co-lineal and which are
5 substantially parallel to the first pair of folding
structure units, wherein the first pair of folding structure
units may be substantially parallel to the second pair of
folding structure units, the first pair of folding structure
units may be intercalated in position with the second pair
10 of folding structure units with regards to the first and
second fixed elements of the construction. That is, since in
the first pair of folding structure units both folding
structure units are coupled by means of the first coupling
and folding devices and the second fixing element, and since
15 the first coupling and folding devices are coupled
laterally, then the coupling means have a determined width.
Given that the coupling means have a determined width, both
folding structure units are substantially co-lineal with
each other, however not necessarily co-lineal with the
construction. That is, the first pair of folding structure
units intercalates with the second pair of folding structure
unit in the point where the at least two substantially co-
lineal folding structure units are coupled together, that
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is, in the respective first coupling and folding device of
both the first and second substantially co-lineal folding
structure units of the first pair, and in the point when the
other at least two substantially co-lineal folding structure
units are coupled together, that, is, in the respective first
coupling and folding device of both the first and second
substantially co-lineal folding structure units of the
second pair, which is parallel to the first pair.
Therefore, a transportable and foldable structure may
be formed by multiple folding devices some of which are
substantially co-lineal and some of which are substantially
parallel. For installation purposes, depending on the area
to be covered by the transportable and foldable structure,
the transportable and foldable structure is placed and/or
transported in a vehicle which is capable of setting a first
fixing element proximate to a first fixed element of the
construction. The first fixing element is coupled to the
first fixed element of the construction. At least a first
part of the transportable and foldable structure is then
extended in a substantially horizontal manner. Specifically
at least a first pair of substantially co-lineal folding
structure units and a second pair of substantially co-lineal
folding structure units, which are substantially parallel to
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the first pair of folding structure units are extended.
These first and second pair of folding transportable and
foldable structure may then coupled to another first and
second pair of folding transportable and foldable structure
by means of a fastening element. These newly coupled first
and second pair of transportable and foldable structure are
again extended. This is carried out continuously until the
transportable and foldable structure is complete. Finally, a
second fixing element is placed proximate to a second fixed
element of the construction. The second fixing element is
coupled to the second fixed element of the construction.
Brief Description of the Figures
The present invention will be further understood when
referenced with the following detailed description and with
the following figures. Additionally, other aspects will
become apparent when referenced with the detailed
descriptions along with the following figures.
Figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment for
the foldable structure unit, in which two fixing elements
are present and one coupling and folding device is present.
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Figure 2 shows a front view of a second embodiment for
the foldable structure unit, in which one fixing element is
present and two coupling and folding devices are present.
Figure 3 shows a front view of a third embodiment for
the foldable structure unit, in which three coupling and
folding devices are present.
Figure 4 shows a front view of a fourth embodiment for
the foldable structure unit, in which three coupling and
folding devices are present and in which the two rods are
substantially at 180 one from another.
Figure 5 shows an upper view of a first foldable
structure and a second folding structure unit, both of which
are substantially parallel to each other, in which both the
first foldable structure and the second foldable structure
are being coupled together.
Figure 6 shows an upper view of the first foldable
structure unit and the second foldable structure unit, in
which both foldable structures units are coupled.
Figure 7 shows an upper view of the first part of a
first embodiment for the fastening element.
Figure 8 shows a front view of the first embodiment for
the fastening element.
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Figure 9 shows a front view of the first embodiment for
the fastening element, in which the 'lower part and upper
part are separated.
Figure 10 shows an upper view of the first part of a
second embodiment for the fastening element.
Figure 11 shows a front view of the second embodiment
for the fastening element.
Figure 12 shows a front view of the second embodiment
for the node, in which the lower part and upper part are
separated.
Figure 13 shows a front view of a first and second pair
of parallel folding structure units being coupled with
another first and second pair of parallel folding structure
units by means of a fastening element.
1.5 Figure 14 shows a front view of a first and second pair
of parallel folding structure units being coupled with
another first and second pair of parallel folding structure
units wherein both pairs are intercalated.
Figure 15 shows an upper view of a first, second, third
and fourth folding structure units being coupled by means of
a fastening element.
Figure 16 shows a first step of the process for the
installation of the transportable and foldable structure.
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Figure 17 shows a second step of the process for the
installation of the transportable and foldable structure.
Figure 18 shows a third step of the process for the
installation of the transportable and foldable structure.
5 Figure 19 shows a fourth step of the process for the
installation of the transportable and foldable structure.
Figure 20 shows a transportable and foldable structure
fixed to two constructions, in this case, marine container
acting as columns or anchor elements.
10 Figure 21 shows a transportable and foldable structure
fixed to two fixed elements of other conventional a
construction.
Figure 22 shows an upper view of multiple folding
structure units, substantially parallel, substantially co-
15 lineal and substantially perpendicular, the substantially
co-lineal folding structure units being coupled by a node.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The following description is made in reference to
20 figures 1 through 15 and 22. The present invention refers to
a transportable and foldable structure 2 for constructions
to be placed between two elements 4, 4' of the construction
6. The transportable and foldable structure 2 may be
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selected to create any of a roof, ceilings, domes or similar
or tunnels or bridge constructions for pedestrian and/or
vehicle traffic. Specifically, the present invention refers
to transportable, foldable and coupling structure units 20
for building a transportable and foldable structure 2 for
building constructions such as roofs, ceilings, domes or
similar, or tunnels or bridge constructions for pedestrian
and/or vehicle traffic, wherein the transportable and
foldable structure 2 is to be placed between two elements 4,
4' of the construction. An element 4, 4' of the construction
to which the transportable and foldable structure 2 is
fixed, is preferably at least one column of the construction
6. The construction 6 may be selected among traditional
construction structures, such as cement structures or
similar structures, such as wooden or metal structures, to
other construction structures, such as container, more
preferably marine containers.
First Embodiment
The transportable and foldable structure 2 may be
comprised by at least one coupling and folding structure
unit 20.
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If the transportable and foldable structure 2 comprises
one folding structure unit 20, the folding structure unit 20
comprises at least a first fixing element 26, such as an
anchor, which will fasten the transportable and foldable
structure 2 to a first element 4 of the construction 6, such
as a column or base. The first fixing element 26 may be
alternately coupled to a further fixing element 26' of a
different folding structure unit 20' by means of a fastening
element 50 or coupled to a coupling and folding device of a
different folding structure 120, 220. The first fixing
element 26 is placed at a first end 22 of the transportable
and foldable structure. Furthermore, the folding structure
unit 20 comprises at least a second fixing element 28 in the
opposite end 24 of the folding structure unit 20 than the
first fixing element end 22, wherein the second fixing
element 28 is similar to the first fixing element, and will
fasten the transportable and foldable structure 2 to a
second element 4' of the construction 6. Alternately, the
second fixing element 28 may be coupled to a further fixing
element 26, 28 of a different folding structure unit 20' by
means of a fastening element 50 as will be explained below
or coupled to a coupling and folding device of a different
folding structure unit 120, 220 as will be explained below.
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The second fixing element 28 is placed at the second end of
the transportable and foldable structure 2, opposite to and
co-lineal with the first end of the transportable and
foldable structure. In between the first fixing element 26
and the second fixing element 28 at least one coupling and
folding device 30 is provided. In between the first fixing
element 26 and the coupling and folding device 30 a first
rod 40 is provided. In between the coupling and folding
device 30 and the second fixing element 28 a second rod 42
is provided. Both rods 40, 42 are coupled with the coupling
and folding device 30. Furthermore, both rods 40, 42 when
fully extended are substantially co-lineal one to another.
When the coupling and folding structure unit 20 is fully
extended a certain angle which is at least 90 , more
preferably 140 and yet more preferably at least 160 may be
present among the lower face 44 of the first rod 40 and the
lower face 44 of the second rod 42. However, a 180 angle
between the lower face 44 of the first rod 40 and the lower
face 44 of the second rod 42 may be achieved. An actuating
device 36, such as a rod, wire or thread, is attached from
the first end 22 of the transportable and foldable structure
to the second end 24 of the transportable and foldable
structure, either directly or indirectly through the
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coupling and folding device 30. When actuated, the actuating
device 36 rotates the coupling and folding device 30 so as
to move the second rod 42 in regards to the first rod 40, so
that the second rod 42 is in a substantially parallel
position in regards to the first rod 40 when in a folded
position. That is, when the actuating device 36 actuates the
folding of the coupling and folding structure unit 20, the
second end 24 is drawn to be proximate to the first end 22,
as well as the second rod 42 is drawn to be proximate and
substantially parallel with the first rod 40. The first rod
40 may be fastened with regards to the coupling and folding
device 30, while the second rod 42 is movable with regards
to the coupling and folding device 30. The movement of the
second rod 42 with regards to the coupling and folding
device 30 may be provided by means known in the art, such as
a bearing.
Second Embodiment
The transportable and foldable structure 2 may comprise
two substantially co-lineal folding structure units 20,
120' . If the transportable and foldable structure comprises
two folding structure units 20, 120' a second folding
structure unit 120 comprises a first fixing element 126,
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such as an anchor, which will fasten the transportable and
foldable structure 2 to a first element 4 of the
construction 6, such as a column. Alternately, the first
fixing element 126 may be coupled to another fixing element
5 26, 336 of a different folding structure unit 120 by means
of a fastening element 50 or coupled to a coupling and
folding device of a different folding structure unit 120,
220 as will be explained below. The first fixing element 126
is placed at one end 122 of the second folding structure
10 unit 120. The second folding structure unit 120 further
comprises at least two coupling and folding devices 130,
130'. A first coupling and folding device 130' of the second
folding structure unit 120 will fasten the second folding
structure unit 120 to a first folding structure unit 20 of
15 the construction. The first coupling and folding device 130'
of the second folding structure unit 120 is placed at a
second end 124 of the second folding structure unit 120,
opposite to the first end 122. In between the first fixing
element 126 and the first coupling and folding device 130' a
20 second coupling and folding device 130 is provided. In
between the first fixing element 126 and the first coupling
and folding device 130' a first rod 140 is provided. In
between the second coupling and folding device 130' and the
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first coupling and folding device 130 a second rod 142 is
provided. Both rods 140, 142 are coupled with the second
coupling and folding device 130. When both rods 140, 142 are
fully extended, that is, when the second folding structure
unit 120 is fully extended, the first rod 140 and the second
rod 142 are substantially co-lineal one to another. When the
second folding structure unit 120 is fully extended; a
certain angle which is at least 90 , more preferably 140
and yet more preferably at least 160 is present among the
lower face 144 of the first rod 140 and the second rod 142.
However, a 180 angle between the lower face 144 of the
first rod and the lower face 144 of the second rod may be
achieved. An actuating device 136, such as a rod, wire or
thread, is attached from the first end 122 of the second
folding structure unit 120 to the second end 124 of the
second folding structure unit 120, either directly or
indirectly by means of the second coupling and folding
device 130. When actuated, the actuating device 136 rotates
the second coupling and folding device 130 so as to move the
second rod 142 in regards to the first rod 140, so that the
second rod 142 is in a substantially parallel position in
regards to the first rod 140 when in a folded position. That
is, when the actuating device 136 actuates the folding of
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the second coupling and folding structure unit 120, the
second end 124 is drawn to be proximate to the first end
122, as well as the second rod 142 is drawn to be proximate
and substantially parallel with the first rod 140. The first
rod 140 may be fastened with regards to the second coupling
and folding device 130, while the second rod 142 is movable
with regards to the second coupling and folding device 130.
The movement of the second rod 142 with regards to the
second coupling and folding device 130 may be provided by
means known in the art, such as a bearing.
The first folding structure unit 20 which is similarly
built to the first embodiment comprises the first fixing
element 26 and a second fixing element 28, wherein the
second fixing element 28 is placed at one end 124 of the
second folding structure unit 120. The second folding
structure unit 120 further comprises the at least two
coupling and folding devices 130, 130'. A first coupling and
folding device 130' and the second fixing element 28 will
fasten the second folding structure unit 120 to the first
folding structure unit 20. The first coupling and folding
device 130' when coupled to the second fixing element 28
will allow the folding of both the first and second folding
structure units 20, 120. The actuating devices 36, 136, may
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be attached between themselves, either directly or
indirectly by means of the coupling and folding devices 30,
130, 130' . When actuated, the actuating devices 36, 136
rotate the coupling and folding device, the second coupling
and. folding device 130 and the first coupling and folding
device 130', so as to move the second rods 42, 142 in
regards to the first rods 40, 140, so that the second rods
42, 142 are in a substantially parallel position in regards
to the first rod 40, 140 when in a folded position. That is,
when the actuating devices 36, 136 actuate the folding of
the coupling and folding structure units 20, 120, so that
the second ends 24, 124 are drawn to be proximate to the
first ends 22, 122, as well as the second rods 42, 142 are
drawn to be proximate and substantially parallel with the
first rods 40, 140. Further to the above configuration of
the first. and second coupling and folding structure units
20, 120, the second rod 142 may be fastened with regards to
the first coupling and folding device 130', while the second
rod 42 is movable with regards to the first coupling and
folding device 130'. The movement of the second rod 42 with
regards to the first coupling and folding device 130' may be
provided by means known in the art, such as a bearing.
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Third Embodiment
The transportable and foldable structure 2 may comprise
three or more folding structure units 20, 20', 220. A first
and second folding structure unit 20, 20' are formed in a
similar manner to the first folding structure unit 20 above
disclosed for the first embodiment. A third folding
structure unit 220, which is placed in between the first and
second folding structure units 20, 20', comprises a first
coupling and folding device 230' at one end 222 of the third
folding structure unit 220, proximate to where the first
folding structure unit 20 will be fastened, wherein the
first coupling and folding device 230' and the first fixing
element 26 will fasten the third folding structure unit 220
to the first folding structure unit 20. Furthermore, the
third folding structure unit 220 comprises a second coupling
and folding device 230' ' at a second end 224 of the third
folding structure unit, opposite to the first end 222 of the
third folding structure unit. The second coupling and
folding device 230'' will fasten the third folding structure
unit 220 to the second folding structure unit 20' by means
of the second coupling and folding device 230'' of the third
folding structure unit and by means of the second fixing
element 28' of the second folding structure unit 20' In
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between the first coupling and folding device 230' and the
second coupling and folding device 230'', a third coupling
and folding device 230 is provided in. the third folding
structure unit 220. In between the first coupling and
5 folding device 230' and the third coupling and folding
device 230 a first rod 242 is provided. In between the third
coupling and folding device 230 and the second coupling and
folding device 230" a second rod 240 is provided. Both rods
240, 242 are coupled with the third coupling and folding
10 device 230. When both rods 240, 242 are fully extended, that
is, when the third folding structure unit 220 is fully
extended, the first rod 242 and the second rod 240 are
substantially co-lineal one to another. When the third
folding structure unit 220 is. fully extended, a certain
15 angle which is at least 90 , more preferably 140 and yet
more preferably at least 160 is present among the lower
face 244 of the first rod 242 and the lower face 244 of the
second rod 240. However, a 180 angle between the lower face
244 of the first rod 242 and the lower face 244 of the
20 second rod 240 may be achieved. An actuating device 236,
such as a rod, wire or thread, is attached from the first
end 224 of the third folding structure unit 220 to the
second end 222 of the third folding structure unit 220. When
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actuated, the actuating device 236 rotates the third
coupling and folding device 230 so as to move the first rod
242 in regards to the second rod 240, so that the first rod
242 is in a substantially parallel position in regards to
the second rod 240 when in a folded position. The second rod
240 may be fastened with regards to the third coupling and
folding device 230, while the first rod 242 is movable with
regards to the third coupling and folding device 230. The
movement of the first rod 242 with regards to the third
coupling and folding device 230 may be provided by means
known in the art, such as a bearing.
The first folding structure unit 20 comprises the first
fixing element 26, such as an anchor, which will fasten the
transportable and foldable structure to a first element 4 of
the construction 6, such as a column or base and the second
fixing element 28 of the first folding structure unit 20 or
to further units 120, 220, wherein the second fixing element
28 is placed at one end 224 of the third folding structure
unit 220. The second folding structure unit 20' comprises
the first fixing element 26', such as an anchor, which will
fasten the transportable and foldable structure to a second
element 4' of the construction 6, such as a column or base
or to further units 120, 220, wherein the second fixing
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element 28' is placed at one end 222 of the third folding
structure unit 220. The third folding structure unit 220
further comprises the at least three coupling and folding
devices 230, 230', 230''. A first coupling and folding
device 230' and a fixing element 26, 28 will fasten the
third folding structure unit 220 to the first folding
structure unit 20. A second coupling and folding device
230'' and a fixing element 26', 28' will fasten the third
folding structure unit 220 to the second folding structure
unit 20'. The first coupling and folding device 230' when
coupled to the first fixing element 26 will allow the
folding of both the first and third folding structure units
20, 220. The actuating devices 36, 236, may attached between
themselves, either directly or indirectly by means of the
coupling and folding devices 30, 230, 230' , 230''. When
actuated, the actuating devices 36, 236 rotate the coupling
and folding device 30, the third coupling and folding device
230 and the first coupling and folding device 230', so as to
move the second rods 42, 242 in regards to the first rods
40, 240, so that the second rods 42, 242 are in a
substantially parallel position in regards to the first rods
40, 240 when in a folded position. That is, when the
actuating devices 36, 236 actuate the folding of the
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coupling and folding structure units 20, 220, the second
ends 24, 224 are drawn to be proximate to the first ends 22,
222, as well as the second rods 42, 242 are drawn to be
proximate and substantially parallel with the first rods 40,
240. Further to the above configuration of the first and
third coupling and folding structure units 20, 220, the rod
242 may be fastened with regards to the coupling and folding
device 230', while the rod 40 is movable with.regards to the
coupling and folding device 230'. The movement of the rod 40
with regards to the coupling and folding device 230' may be
provided by means known in the art, such as abearing.
The second coupling and folding device 230'' when
coupled to the fixing element 26', 28 will allow the
folding of both the second and third folding structure units
20', 220. The actuating devices 36', 236, may attached
between themselves, either directly or indirectly by means
of the coupling and folding devices 30', 230, 230', 230''
When actuated, the actuating devices 36', 236 rotate the
coupling and folding device 30', the third coupling and
folding device 230 and the second coupling and folding
device 230'' , so as to move the first rods 40' , 240 in
regards to the second rods 42', 242, so that the second rods
42', 242 are in a substantially parallel position in regards
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to the first rods 40' , 240 when in a folded position. That
is, when the actuating devices 36', 236 actuate the folding
of the coupling and folding structure units 20' , 220, the
second ends 24', 224 are drawn to be proximate to the first
ends 22' , 222, as well as the first rods 40' , 240 are drawn
to be proximate and substantially parallel with the second
rods 42', 242. Further to the above configuration of the
second and third coupling and folding structure units 20',
220, the rod 240 may be fastened with regards to the
coupling and folding device 230'', while the rod 42 is
movable with regards to the coupling and folding device
230'' . The movement of the rod 42 with regards to the
coupling and folding device 230'' may be provided by means
known in the art, such as a bearing.
In all the embodiments, the coupling and folding
devices 30, 130, 130', 230, 230', 230'' (from hereinafter
only referred to as 30 unless necessary) may be a
substantially cylindrical form, however may take any desired
shape. The inner part 32 of the folding device 30 should be
hollow and more preferably, hollow and threaded. Therefore,
a bolt 8 may be threaded in the inner part 32 of one of the
two side ends 34, 34' of the coupling and folding device 30,
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in such a manner that the same bolt 8 may fasten.two or more
folding structure units 120, 120' in a substantially
parallel manner. Furthermore, a bolt 8 may be threaded in
the inner part 32 of one of the two side ends 34, 34' of the
5 coupling and folding device 30 in such a manner that the
same bolt 8 may fasten two or more folding structure units
20, 120, 220 in a substantially co-lineal manner. Therefore,
the transportable and foldable structure 2 may be comprised
by folding structure units 120, 120' in a substantially.
10 parallel manner and by folding structure units 20, 120, 220
in a substantially co-lineal manner. The ends of the bolts 8
are fastened by nuts 10.
The fixing elements 26, 28, 126' (from hereinafter 26,
28, unless necessary) may be alternately coupled to each
15 other by means of fastening elements 50. When four or more
coupling and folding structure units 20 are used, it is
preferred that the transportable and foldable structure 2
uses at least one fastening element 50. That is, instead of
coupling the fixing elements to a coupling and folding
20 device o another unit, the fixing elements 26, 28 are
coupled to fastening elements 50. The. fixing elements 26, 28
may be threaded, in which a bar which may be threaded is
placed. The fastening elements comprise a lower part 52 and
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an upper part 54, which are coupled together by means of
conventional coupling means known in the art, such as
threaded holes, bolts, pin, screw, wire or threads and nuts.
The fastening elements 50 may be formed by any shape,
however, shapes with smooth and constant walls are
preferred. The fastening elements 50 have at least two
connections, wherein at least two walls 56, 56' of the
fastening element 50 having at least one connection 58. The
fastening elements 50 preferably have at least three
connections 58 and even more preferably at least four
connections 58. When a folding structure unit 20 is coupled
with a fastening element 50, part of the fixing element 26,
28, which is an extension of one of the two rods 40, 42 of
the folding structure unit, is placed within a connection 58
of the fastening element 50. The connections 58 are
generally hollow and are usually placed between the lower
part 52 and the upper part 54 of the fastening element 50.
Furthermore, the connections 58 have a width or diameter
which is less than the width or diameter of the wall of the
node 60 which the fastening element 50 is forming. The
connections 58 are formed in such a manner so that at least
part of the fixing element 26, 28 may rest within the
connection 58. Given that the fixing element 26, 28 has a
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bar 18, and given that the bar 18 is generally broader than
the width of the connection 58, when the lower part 52 and
the upper part 54 are coupled, the folding structure unit 20
is coupled and fixed with regards to the fastening element
50. As stated before, the fastening elements 50 may have one
or more connections 58 in each wall 56, 56' Therefore, the
fastening elements 50 are prepared to receive at least one
folding structure unit 20 per wall 56, 56'.
The fastening elements 50 are provided as relief
devices for a large amount of folding structure units 20.
That is, if a broad or large area is to be covered with the
transportable and foldable structure 2, then fastening
elements 50 need to be used, since otherwise transportation
of the transportable and foldable structure would be
difficult. Furthermore, the fastening elements 50 are used
as nodes 60, that is, if a broad or large area is to be
covered, with the transportable and foldable structure 2
fastening elements need to be used so that each foldable
structure unit 20 does not fold or vibrate when the
transportable and foldable structure 2 is installed.
When two or more coupling and folding structure units
20, 120 which are substantially co-lineal are present, the
actuating devices 36, 136 between the first folding
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structure unit 20 and the second folding structure unit 120
may be connected to each other, so that when one of the at
least two actuating devices 36, 136 is actuated, the at
least two folding structure units 20, 120 may be
simultaneously extended or folded as above described. Reels
(not shown) may be added to the actuating devices 36, 136 so
as to coil or uncoil the actuating devices 36, 136.
When more than four coupling and folding structure
units 20, 120, 220, 20' which are substantially co-lineal
are present, the actuating devices 36, 136, 236, 36' between
the first coupling and folding structure unit 20, the second
coupling and folding structure unit 120, the third coupling
and folding structure unit 220 and fourth coupling and
folding structure unit 20', may be connected to each other,
so that when one of the at least one actuating devices 36 or
36' which is in the end of the transportable and foldable
structure 2 is actuated, the at least four folding structure
units 20, 120, 220, 20' may be simultaneously extended or
folded as above described. Reels (not shown) may be added to
the actuating devices 36, 136, 236, 36' so as to coil or
uncoil the actuating devices 36, 136, 236, 36'.
When a first pair 62 of two or more folding structure
units 20, 120 which are substantially co-lineal are present,
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and when second pair 64 of two or more folding structure
units 20', 120' which are substantially co-lineal between
themselves and which are substantially parallel to the first
pair 62 of folding structure units, hence the first pair 62
of folding structure units may be substantially parallel to
the second pair 64 of folding structure units, the first
pair 62 of folding structure units may be intercalated in
position with the second pair 64 of folding structure units
with regards to the fixed elements 4, 4' of the construction
6. That is, since in the first pair 62, both folding
structure units 20, 120 are coupled, by means of the first
coupling and folding device 130' of the second coupling and
folding structure unit 120 and the fixing element 26, 28,
and since the first coupling and folding device 130 is
coupled sideways with regards to the fixing element 26, then
the coupling means have a determined width. Given that the
coupling means have a determined width, both folding
structure units 20, 120' are substantially co-lineal with
each other, however not necessarily co-lineal with the fixed
elements 4, 4' . The same may be applied for the second pair
64. That is, the first pair 62 of folding structure units
intercalates with the second pair 64 of folding structure
units in the point where the first and second pairs 62, 64
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of coupling and folding structure units are coupled
together, that is, in the respective first coupling and
folding device 130' of both the first and second pairs 62,
64 of substantially co-lineal folding structure units.
5 Therefore, a transportable and foldable structure 2 may
be formed by multiple folding devices 20 some of which are
substantially co-lineal and some of which are substantially
parallel. For installation purposes, depending on the area
to be covered by the transportable and foldable structure 2,
10 the transportable and foldable structure 2 is transported.in
a vehicle 12 which is capable of setting at least a first
fixing element 26 proximate to a first fixed element 4 of
the construction. The first fixing element 26 is coupled to
the first fixed element 4 of the construction. At least a
15 first part of the transportable and foldable structure 2 is
then extended in a substantially horizontal manner by means
of the actuating devices 36. Specifically at least a first
pair 62 of substantially co-lineal folding structure units
and a second pair 64 of substantially co-lineal folding
20 structure units, which are substantially parallel to the
first pair 62 of folding structure units are extended. These
first and second pair 62, 64 of folding transportable and
foldable structures 2 may then coupled to another first and
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second pair 62, 64 of folding transportable and foldable
structure by means of a fastening element 50. These newly
coupled first and second pair 62, 64 of folding
transportable and foldable structures are again deployed.
This is carried out continuously until the transportable and
foldable structure 2 is complete. Finally, a second fixing
element 28 is placed proximate to a second fixed element 4'
of the construction. The second fixing element 28 is coupled
to the second fixed element 4' of the construction.
Alterations to the structure described in the present,
shall be able to be foreseen by those with expertise in the
field. However, it must be understood, that the present
description is related with the preferred embodiments of the
invention, which are solely for illustrative purposes, and
must not be construed as a limitation of the invention. All
modifications which do not depart from the spirit of the
invention are included within- the body of the attached
claims.
